Quarantine delayed our annual Busty & the Beach series, but it hasn’t stopped us. Two Saturdays ago, I got to photograph Camille, Leah and Sara (you’ll meet her next week!) at the home of friends who graciously shared their pool with us. As I took the pictures, I told our writers, “I’m afraid our readers are going to be jealous of us!” They answered, “We’re jealous of us!” We’ve been wishing we could go back ever since. Camille starts us off with her bandeau tankini from Figleaves.
Ah, the illusive bandeau bathing attire for the busty lady! Bikini, tankini, one-piece. Believing them to be an impossibility, I had eschewed them all.
Truth be told, I’ve been eyeing them forever. Ever since I discovered they exist in large cup sizes I’ve been tempted to try. I love the way they look. The way they show off the shoulders and upper back. And the prospect of walking around the beach, or at the pool, without any weight on my shoulders seemed heavenly. Well, until I remembered my experience with strapless bras where the price of shoulder freedom is pain around the ribs and the dread feeling that one false move could bring on a wardrobe malfunction. What to do? What to do? In the end I never got up the nerve to try. Until now…
Thanks to Leah and Darlene’s efforts, Figleaves generously offered to gift me a bathing suit. I was allowed to pick anything from the brand’s own line of swimsuits. When I saw that Figleaves had all types of bandeau suits in sizes that could work for me I decided to take the plunge. I chose the Rene Underwired Bandeau Tummy Control Tankini Top (affiliate link). This style is available in both black and a gorgeous cobalt blue. I was vacillating between choosing a 30G or 30GG. The 30G was already sold out in black and both sizes were sold out in the blue color, so I happily accepted the 30GG in black.
I chose the tankini because being only 5 feet zero inches tall I’ve yet to find a one-piece suit that fits—too many variables. I’m not feeling bikinis at the moment—post-menopausal belly getting me down—plus this tankini promised to smooth said belly. I was thrilled!
For bottoms I chose the regular and foldover black Rene bikini bottoms in US size 4. I thought the foldover bottoms would work well if the tankini was short, highly unlikely considering my size. Since the top was quite long, I opted to wear it with the plain bikini bottoms. I would say both bottoms were quite low cut and fit a bit small for a US 4. Actually, they are labelled UK 8 which is generally considered to be US 4, though I personally feel UK 8 is often closer to US 2. This is perfect for me, but if you are a true US 4 I would size up.
So, how did it all work out? Read on!
I started out the day with the removable straps attached. Did I mention there are removable straps? There are, and they are very useful for helping to get one’s courage up. Here I am putting on lipstick for the first time in months. Also useful for a dose of courage.
Next I walked around with the straps on. They are very comfortable and added a bit of security while I got up the nerve to take them off.
Next we talk tummy control. On me it was non-existent. As you can see in these photos the tank of the kini is loose on me.
So, it didn’t control my tummy, but it did hide it pretty well so that was only a minor disappointment. To be fair, I think I was imagining that the body of the suit would pull me in on all sides like a Basque, so it was probably an unfair assumption in the first place. The tummy control mesh fabric is there though, so I have no doubt there are tummies it will control.
And now—drum roll please—the part you’ve all been waiting for… The Bandeau. Strapless. Let’s go to the video!
And now a photo of me strutting around strapless and free!
No wardrobe malfunction in sight! And swimming? Just watch…
Despite the suit feeling a bit loose in the band it never fell down, or threatened to, and it was so comfortable that I’m in love! All in all a successful foray with a bandeau suit.
I’d love to hear your bandeau stories.
